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The Affordable Care Act Will Help Women With Breast Cancer

The Affordable Care Act could have a significant impact on reducing breast cancer across the country.

Matt Schafer of the American Cancer Society says more women will be able to access affordable health care because insurers will not be able to reject those with pre-existing conditions, like breast cancer.

"The health care law also requires health plans to cover annual preventive mammograms for women starting at age 40,” Schafer said. “It prohibits lifetime dollar limits on coverage and also restricts the amount of out-of-pocket costs.”

More than 3,200 Arizona women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and about 700 state women a year die from it. Cancer Society officials say early detection, better treatment options and education on cancer prevention have helped boost the five-year survival rate for breast cancer to around 98 percent.